Discusses paragraph qualification, a search strategy used to retrieve information from computerized databases. Positive and negative paragraph qualification, after-the-fact qualification, multifile searching, and free text searching are described, using examples from the Bibliographic Retrieval Services (BRS)/Search System. (EJS)

Examines the searching environment at Amoco Research Center as it affects the performance of online searching, regardless of the subject matter of the search itself. A comparison of general search strategies using various models is also presented. (CWM)

Describes strategies that can be used to search the DIALOG database by date to add precision to searching. The "Current" command is explained, as well as other commands; ways to search a specific year are described; and DIALOG files that are already restricted by date are discussed. (LRW)

This brief review of the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) system is intended to make users more aware of (1) the system as a whole, (2) the process of indexing educational literature for the database, and (3) the role of the Thesaurus of ERIC Descriptors in the overall information dissemination process. An overview of the ERIC…

Surveys major databases offering access to historical and biographical information in the sciences and highlights special features of each--Histline, America: History and Life, Historical Abstracts, Agricola, Biosis Previews, CA Condensates, Compendex, Excerpta Medica, Inspec, and Medline. Two references are listed. (EJS)

Discusses several online databases available through DIALOG Information Retrieval Service which are useful for identifying corporate wealth, philanthropic awards, and government grants (Foundation Directory, Foundation Grants Index, Grants Database, and National Foundations). Scope and access points are noted, and search examples are appended.…

Describes Archie, an electronic indexing service for locating information on the INTERNET. The resource discovery problem addressed by the service is summarized, and instructions for accessing Archie are provided. The current scope of the Archie service and plans for the future are discussed. Other information discovery and delivery tools…

Intended for users of the 3RIP text retrieval database, for retrieval system users with a knowledge of the EURONET Common Command Language (CCL), and for 3RIP system managers, this booklet provides a complete description of the 3RIP retrieval system command language. New functions and recent changes in the 3RIP system are summarized, system…

Explores technique which may be used to enhance research by manipulation of databases to determine trends in literature. The online searcher's function supporting research's use of technique is emphasized. An example on the topic of "school desegregation" as covered by various databases, particularly ERIC, is included. Five sources are given. (EJS)

This paper discusses personal resource discovery on the World Wide Web from the point of view of a reference librarian. Two key questions for finding information on the Internet are identified: (1) What are you actually looking for? and (2) Who is likely to have the information? Examples of this approach are provided, and some problems with using…

Describes HYTELNET, a hypertext utility which facilitates access to INTERNET resources for IBM-PC users. Software development and expansion of the utility from an electronic guide to online library catalogs to a complete directory of Internet sites are discussed. Instructions for retrieving HYTELNET are appended, and 14 references available…

Describes the benefits of using DIALOG's OneSearch in conjunction with DIALINDEX when searching online databases. Interdisciplinary searching on multiple databases is discussed, time and cost comparisons are briefly addressed, and steps involved in a simple search and in a complex search are detailed. (LRW)

This guide comprises four reports on the Laboratory Animal Data Bank (LADB), the National Institute of Health Environmental Protection Agency (NIH/EPA) Chemical Information System (CIS), nonbibliographic databases for the social sciences, and the Toxicology Data Bank (TDB) and Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances (RTECS). The first…

Description of database management systems for microcomputers highlights system features and factors to consider in microcomputer system selection. A method for ranking database management systems is explained and applied to a defined need, i.e., software support for indexing a weekly newspaper. A glossary of terms and 32-item bibliography are…

This paper provides timesaving tips for information gathering. Part 1 presents the following tips for use of bibliographic databases: (1) read the help screens for the specific database you are using; (2) make use of the different access points and the limit features for the specific database you are using in order to focus your results; (3) learn…